Waterproof watch case and crystal



y 1956 H. DINSTMAN 2,745,245

WATERPROOF WATCH CASE AND CRYSTAL Filed Aug. 23, 1954 INVEN TOR. 195M111! D/A srMA/v United Eitates Patent WATERPROOF WATCH CASE AND CRYSTAL Hyman Dinstrnan, New York, N. Y.

Application August 23, 1954, Serial No. 451,594

1 Claim. (Cl. 58-90) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in waterproof watchcase and crystal constructions.

More particularly, the present invention proposes the construction of an improved waterproof watch crystal construction which when assembled will form a moistureproof seal that will improve with the passage of time and in use.

Still further, the present invention proposes forming bezel with a lug-forming groove and a crystal-gripping lip to form a lug on the rim of a resilient crystal and to grip the crystal as it is pressed against these elements.

As a further object, the present invention proposes constructing a reflector ring which will fit inside the bezel and within the rim of a resilient crystal to force the rim of the crystal against the crystal-gripping lip and into the lug-forming groove of the bezel.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a bezel, crystal and reflector ring constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention, the three pieces or members being spaced apart and unassembled.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to 1 but showing the bezel, crystal and reflector in assembled position.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the waterproof watch crystal construction of the present invention has three parts, pieces or members: a bezel 15, a crystal 16 and a reflector ring 17.

Bezel 15 has a central opening 18 and preferably is made of metal such as is commonly used in watchcase construction, i. e. gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel and the like.

An inwardly inclined crystal gripping lip 19 is formed on the bezel at the top of the central opening 18 and a lug forming groove 20 is provided in the bezel adjacent and under the lip 19. A crystal supporting ledge 21 is formed on the bezel beneath the lip 19 and groove 20 and extending into the central opening 18 of the bezel.

Crystal or cover 16 is formed of resilient, transparent and waterproof material. Preferably it is made of thermoplastic material. Crystal 16 has a downwardly projecting rim or rim portion 22 extending from and integral with its watch face covering portion 23.

2,745,245 Patented May 15, 1956 Rim 22 of the crystal 16 is adapted to fit against the lip 19 on the bezel 15 and over the lug-forming groove 20 in the bezel. The bottom edge 24 of the crystal rim 22 is adapted to rest upon the crystal-supporting ledge 21 when the crystal 16 is in place in the bezel central opening 18.

The crystal rim 22 is formed of a thickness for the inner edge 25 to extend beyond the crystal-supporting ledge 21 when the bottom edge 24 of the rim is resting on such ledge. An inner edge recess 26 is formed in the rim at the bottom thereof to seat the reflector ring 17.

Reflector ring 17 preferably is made of metal and is adapted to fit against the inner edge 27 of the crystal rim 22 in the recess 26 to force the rim against the lip 19 on the bezel and into the lug-forming groove 20 of the bezel to form a peripheral lug on the bottom thereof adapted to interlock with said groove.

Reflector ring 17 has an upper rounded edge 28 and is substantially triangular in cross section with the apex 29 of the triangle inwardly disposed and the base 30 forming the outer periphery of the reflector ring which bears against the crystal rim 22.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claim.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

A waterproof watch crystal construction comprising a bezel having a central opening, an inwardly inclined crystal-gripping lip on the bezel at the top of the central opening, said bezel having a groove adjacent and under the lip, a crystal-supporting ledge on the bezel beneath the lip and groove, a crystal of resilient transparent material having a downwardly projecting rim portion adapted to fit against the lip on the bezel and over the groove in the bezel, a lug on said rim portion interlocking with said groove, and a reflector ring adapted to fit against the inner edge of the crystal rim to hold said rim against the lip on the bezel and the lug in the groove of the bezel, said rim of the crystal having an inner edge recess to seat the reflector ring, said crystal rim being of a thickness for the inner edge of the recess therein to extend beyond the crystal-supporting ledge on the bezel and interlock with the reflector ring, said reflector ling spanning the juncture between the rim of the crystal and the ledge of the bezel.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,446,603 Morf Aug. 10, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS 238,180 Switzerland Oct. 1, 1945 251,931 Switzerland Sept. 1, 1948 254,004 Switzerland Dec. 1, 1948 279,678 Switzerland Mar. 17, 1952 282,141 Switzerland July 16, 1952 

